OUR DEVELOPMENT
In June 2016, the IFA Annual General Meeting resolved that it Executive Committee should embark on reviewing activities involving sport development within the Ilenge and larger Community. The aim of the Task was to promote the more systematic and coherent use of sport in development, peace and unity activities, particularly at the community level and to generate greater support for such activities among Governments and sport-related organizations. The Executive Committee was also asked to establish an inventory of existing sport within the area for development programmes with the purpose to work towards achieving the Ilenge Development Goals (IDG) which seeks to unearth undiscovered talent and produce future stars.
Sport is far more than a form of entertainment. We believe access to and participation in sport is a human right and essential for individuals of all ages to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Sport from play and physical activity to organized competitive sport has an important role in all societies. Sport is critical to a child’s development. It teaches core values such as co-operation and respect. It improves health and reduces the likelihood of disease. It is a significant economic force providing employment and contributing to local development. And, it brings individuals and communities together, bridging cultural or ethnic divides.
Sport offers a cost-effective tool to meet many development, peace and unity challenges, and help achieve the IMGs.
The potential of sport as a tool for development, peace and unity is yet to be fully realized. While sport is repeatedly acknowledged as a human right, they are not always seen as a priority and have even been called the ‘forgotten right’. Sport is seen as a by-product of development, not as an engine.
Sport by its very nature is about participation. It is about inclusion and citizenship. Sport brings individuals and communities together, highlighting commonalties and bridging cultural or ethnic divides.
Sport provides a forum to learn skills such as discipline, confidence and leadership and it teaches core principles such as tolerance, co-operation and respect. Sport teaches the value of effort and how to manage victory, as well as defeat. When these positive aspects of sport are emphasized, sport becomes a powerful vehicle through which the Ilenge Football Association can work towards achieving its goals.
This development views sport in a broad sense. Incorporated into the definition of sport are all forms of physical activity that contribute to physical fitness, mental well-being and social interaction. These include play, recreation, organized casual or competitive sport, and indigenous sports or games.
The fundamental elements of sport make it a viable and practical tool to support the achievement of the IMGs. Sport has an impact on health and reduces the likelihood of many diseases. Sports programmes serve as an effective tool for social mobilization, supporting health activities such as HIV/AIDS education and immunization campaigns. Sport can be a significant economic force, providing employment and contributing to local development. It is also a key site and natural draw for volunteer involvement.
The practice of sport is vital to the holistic development of young people, fostering their physical and emotional health and building valuable social connections. It offers opportunities for play and self- expression, beneficial especially for those young people with few other opportunities in their lives.
Sport also provides healthy alternatives to harmful actions, such as drug abuse and involvement in crime. Within schools, physical education is an essential component of quality education. Physical education programmes not only promote physical activity, there is evidence that such programmes correlate to improved academic performance.
Sport can cut across barriers that divide societies, making it a powerful tool to support conflict prevention and peace-building efforts, both symbolically on the global level and very practically within communities. When applied effectively, sport programmes promote social integration and foster tolerance, helping to reduce tension and generate dialogue. The convening power of sport makes it additionally compelling as a tool for advocacy and communications.
The Ilenge Executive Committee therefore strongly recommended that:
- Sport should be better integrated into the development agenda.
- Sport should be incorporated as a useful tool in programmes for development, peace and unity.
- Sport for development, peace and unity programmes need greater attention and resources supported by Governments programmes.
- Communications-based activities using sport should focus on well-targeted advocacy and social mobilization, particularly at national and local levels.
- A final recommendation of the Ilenge Executive Committee is that the most effective way to implement programmes that use sport for development, peace and unity is through partnerships with private sector and Government.
Birth Year and Season Matrix
When determining the age group for a season, the year the season ends should be used for determining the birth year. Also note that the format “U followed by age” really means that age and younger. For example, U8 should be read as 8 and younger. For more age-group information please use below table as reference.
Season | 2018- 2019 | 2019- 2020 | 2020- 2021 | 2021- 2022 | 2022- 2023 | 2023- 2024 | 2024- 2025 |
Birth Year |
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2020 |
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2019 |
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| U6 |
2018 |
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| U6 | U7 |
2017 |
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| U6 | U7 | U8 |
2016 |
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| U6 | U7 | U8 | U9 |
2015 |
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| U6 | U7 | U8 | U9 | U10 |
2014 |
| U6 | U7 | U8 | U9 | U10 | U11 |
2013 | U6 | U7 | U8 | U9 | U10 | U11 | U12 |
2012 | U7 | U8 | U9 | U10 | U11 | U12 | U13 |
2011 | U8 | U9 | U10 | U11 | U12 | U13 | U14 |
2010 | U9 | U10 | U11 | U12 | U13 | U14 | U15 |
2009 | U10 | U11 | U12 | U13 | U14 | U15 | U16 |
2008 | U11 | U12 | U13 | U14 | U15 | U16 | U17 |
2007 | U12 | U13 | U14 | U15 | U16 | U17 | U18 |
2006 | U13 | U14 | U15 | U16 | U17 | U18 | U19 |
2005 | U14 | U15 | U16 | U17 | U18 | U19 |
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2004 | U15 | U16 | U17 | U18 | U19 |
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2003 | U16 | U17 | U18 | U19 |
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2002 | U17 | U18 | U19 |
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2001 | U18 | U19 |
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2000 | U19 |
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1999 |
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Number of Players on the Field
U15 and Older: 11 v 11
Rules of Play
FIFA Laws
FIFA Laws of the Game apply as modified by SAFA as described herein. Offside Rule will apply to U11 – U19
Duration
Duration of games and overtimes (by halves) and ball size are as follows:
U15, U17, U19
League games 35 minutes
Overtime (per half) 5 minutes
Ball size: Size 5
Coaches, Team Officials, and Spectators
All coaches have total responsibility for the conduct of their players, friends and spectators at all times. Coaching from the sidelines by coaches (giving direction to one’s own team on points of strategy and position) is permitted, provided.
- No mechanical devices are used
- The tone of the voice is instructive and not derogatory
- All coaches, team officials, and substitute players remain outside of the area within ten (10) yards of the half line, except for players entering and exiting the field
- No coach, team official, substitute, or spectator makes derogatory remarks or gestures to the referees, other coaches, team officials, players, substitutes or spectators
- No coach, substitute, team official, or spectator uses profanity or incites in any manner, disruptive behavior.
The Referee has the authority to remove spectators for disruptive behavior during the time when the Referee ordinarily has authority over players, substitutes, coaches, and team officials, and may terminate the match if said spectator refuses to vacate the premises.
This includes the period immediately before and after the match when the officiating crew is on or near the field of play. The Referee shall make a full report to the League or Tournament Director of any spectator so removed. The League or Tournament Director reserves the right to ban a spectator from further participation in the tournament or League games.